In 2009, Mayor Healy selected a new candidate to run for Ward C. Already disgusted about property taxes rising, Filthy streets even then and an overall unresponsive administration, I voted for someone else. To my dismay, Mayor Healy's candidate, Nidia Lopez had won. At this point, I had two choices: attempt to resolve neighborhood issues on my own, or accept she is my elected representative and try to work with her. I took the high road and reached out to her on various needs of my neighborhood and the surrounding areas.

In retrospect, I, without question, made the right choice. I came to learn that her kind hearted nature allowed her to be duped into being on Healy's ticket. I also learned that she puts 110 percent into her work as council woman.

Her desire to do the right thing allowed her to see Healy for who he really is.

What has she done as council woman? First, it must be stated that in the same manner that Mayor Healy has put a road block into many of Steven Fulop's efforts to move Jersey City forward, he has done the same to Council Woman Nidia Lopez. That said, she is a co-founder of JC Homeless Advocacy Group. Many people look at the homeless in Journal Square as a nuisance. She has the vision to see beyond that. Simply put, these are still human beings that need assistance. When Mayor Healy was looking to put people out of their homes in McGinley Square by using eminent domain, she was one of the first to speak out against it. She was also one of the few council people actively working to get constituents information during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy while much of the administration was asleep at the wheel.

When she receives calls for assistance from her constituents on various issues, she rises to the occasion. She had recently helped a constituent with a medical bill that was for thousands of dollars. However, after some scrutiny of the bill by her office, it was identified that there was an error and the constituent owed just over one hundred dollars.

Last, but not least, there is one trait that one must have as a council person, that an individual either has, or doesn't. That is the ability to listen to others. This is key when any kind of negotiating is occurring.

Having worked with Council woman Lopez over the years, I have full faith that she can keep her emotions in check when needed.

It is for these reasons, and many others that I support Nidia Lopez for re-election and Steven Fulop's entire ticket. This is a group of individuals that can work together for the common good. And that is bringing to life the Jersey City we all know it can be.

This is what Nidia Lopez's judge had to say about her in his court order in 2009... "Whether intentionally or otherwise, Lopez did not pay New Jersey taxes, either personal or business, between 2001-2009. She did not reinstate her corporation in New Jersey after her return in 2001. She did not apply for a New Jersey drivers' license. She may or may not have voted by absentee ballot in a Florida election after she moved back to New Jersey in 2001. She represented her Florida house to be her permanent home for the purpose of multiple refinancing and to obtain yearly homestead exemptions. None of these actions, whatever the motivation for them, is excused or condoned by this decision. "

This is what Nidia Lopez's judge had to say about her in 2009... "Whether intentionally or otherwise, Lopez did not pay New Jersey taxes, either personal or business, between 2001-2009. She did not reinstate her corporation in New Jersey after her return in 2001. She did not apply for a New Jersey drivers' license. She may or may not have voted by absentee ballot in a Florida election after she moved back to New Jersey in 2001. She represented her Florida house to be her permanent home for the purpose of multiple refinancing and to obtain yearly homestead exemptions. None of these actions, whatever the motivation for them, is excused or condoned by this decision. "